Main Entry:

¹chat·ter

Pronunciation:

\ˈcha-tər\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English chatteren, of imitative origin

Date:

13th century

intransitive verb1: to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct <squirrels chattered angrily>2: to talk idly, incessantly, or fast3 a: to click repeatedly or uncontrollably <teeth chattering with cold> b: to vibrate rapidly in cutting <a chattering tool> c: to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping <chattering brakes>transitive verb: to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly

— chat·ter·er noun

— chat·tery \-tə-rē\ adjective